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How much do plastic packaging jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for plastic packaging in the United States is $16.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Plastic Packaging Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plastic Packaging Specialist, you need knowledge of materials science, packaging design, and manufacturing processes, often supported by a degree in engineering, packaging, or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, quality control systems, and regulatory standards like ISO 9001 is commonly expected. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the development of safe, cost-effective, and sustainable packaging solutions that meet industry and client requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in plastic packaging, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in plastic packaging often encounter challenges related to balancing sustainability initiatives with cost-effective manufacturing. Staying up-to-date with evolving environmental regulations and customer demands for eco-friendly solutions can be demanding. Many teams work closely with R&D, production, and quality assurance departments to develop innovative materials and reduce waste. Building strong communication skills and staying informed about industry trends are key to addressing these challenges and advancing in your career.

What are plastic packaging jobs?

Plastic packaging jobs involve the design, production, and management of packaging materials made from plastic. These roles can include machine operators, quality control inspectors, packaging engineers, and production supervisors who work in manufacturing facilities. The main responsibilities often include operating machinery, ensuring product quality, maintaining safety standards, and sometimes developing new packaging solutions to meet environmental regulations. Careers in plastic packaging are found in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods. These jobs are essential for protecting products during storage and transportation while meeting industry standards.

What is the difference between Plastic Packaging vs Plastic Packaging Machine Operator?

AspectPlastic PackagingPlastic Packaging Machine Operator
Primary RoleDesign, develop, and oversee the production of plastic packaging productsOperate and monitor machinery used to produce plastic packaging
Required SkillsKnowledge of packaging design, materials, and manufacturing processesTechnical skills in machine operation, troubleshooting, and safety protocols
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing facilities, quality controlFactory floors, production lines, machinery areas
CertificationsPossibly engineering or design certificationsMachine operation certifications, safety training

While Plastic Packaging involves designing and managing the production of packaging products, Plastic Packaging Machine Operators focus on operating the machinery that creates these products. Both roles are essential in the manufacturing process but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

More about Plastic Packaging jobs
What cities are hiring for Plastic Packaging jobs? Cities with the most Plastic Packaging job openings:
What states have the most Plastic Packaging jobs? States with the most job openings for Plastic Packaging jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Plastic Packaging jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Plastic Packaging jobs are:
Plastic Packaging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plastic Packaging job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,259 per year, or $17 per hour.

Category Manager - Plastic

Westrock Coffee

Alexander, AR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Dynamic, self-motivated and results oriented leader with a proven record of generating and building relationships, managing projects from concept to completion, and demonstrating exceptional communication skills. Adaptable and transformational manager with an ability to develop opportunities that further establish organizational goals.
Job Duties:
  • Develop sourcing Category Management plans for Plastics Packaging (films, PP cups, lids, bottles, sleeves, shrink wrap) supporting food and beverage manufacturing. Analyze and calculate total cost of procurement and use category strategies to drive multi-year sourcing plans that maintain flat to down costs in inflationary and volatile resin markets.
  • Source and assess trustworthy and capable plastics packaging partners across domestic and international markets.
  • Develop and maintain supplier evaluation systems to ensure quality, price, delivery, sustainability, and service performance; conduct regular compliance and business reviews.
  • Create and deploy structured sourcing processes that drive Best Value supplier relationships and continuous improvement across the Global Sourcing organization.
  • Partner with packaging suppliers to reduce waste, improve recyclability, increase recycled content, and introduce higher quality or lower total cost packaging solutions.
  • Collaborate with Product Development and Packaging Engineering on innovation, new materials, and next-generation single-serve, RTD, and flexible packaging solutions.
  • Execute contracts, RFIs, RFPs, proposals, and supplier agreements ensuring commercial, legal, and technical compliance.
  • Interface with Global Sourcing Quality Assurance to ensure specifications, food-contact compliance, and sustainability standards are consistently met.
  • Support commercialization of New Product Development (NPD) projects in partnership with Sales and Operations teams.
  • Serve as liaison between Procurement and Manufacturing to ensure clear communication, forecast alignment, and supply continuity.

Attributes
  • Demonstrates superior interpersonal, coaching, and communication skills across all organizational levels.
  • Identifies opportunities to drive change, improvement, and innovation.
  • Provides honest, constructive, and timely feedback.
  • Celebrates success and recognizes contributions of others.

Accountability
  • Motivated, self-directed, and detail oriented.
  • Takes full responsibility for own actions and category outcomes.
  • Follows up personally and monitors progress to ensure commitments are met.
  • Holds self and suppliers accountable for performance and results.
  • Demonstrates strong decision-making skills and financial KPI management.
  • Exhibits strong attention to detail.

Communication
  • Ability to contribute to and execute a strategic vision for a Global Procurement organization.
  • Ability to effectively delegate and work with cross-functional teams.
  • Effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize workload.
  • Ensures information and ideas flow in all appropriate directions.
  • Shares information openly while respecting confidentiality.
  • Conveys information clearly and ensures understanding.

Teamwork
  • Experience working as both a member and leader of teams.
  • Works collaboratively toward shared goals.
  • Supports team objectives and successes.
  • Addresses conflict professionally and directly.
  • Collaborates effectively across functions.

Qualifications:
  • 8+ years of experience in Category Management, Procurement, or Supply Chain Management, preferably within food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods.
  • Bachelor's degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Engineering, or Business; advanced degree a plus.
  • Preferred professional certifications: CPSM, CPM, MCIPS, CPIM, PMP, APICS, ISM.
  • Experience with plastics packaging including films, rigid plastics, lids, cups, bottles, and sleeves.
  • Experience managing diverse supplier bases, contracts, risk, forecasting, and category strategies.
  • Strong computer skills including Word, Excel, Outlook, and NetSuite or similar ERP systems.
  • Ability to perform in a fast-paced, high-change manufacturing environment.
  • Strong financial acumen with understanding of P&L impact and cost drivers.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Vets / Disabled

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